Brian Belle

Brian Belle (7 April 1914 – 27 February 2007) was an English cricketer. He played first-class cricket for Essex between 1935 and 1937. At the time of his death he was the oldest surviving Essex player.

Career While studying at Keble College, Oxford, Belle appeared in two matches for Oxford University in 1935, then played a full season for them in 1936, winning his Blue. He usually batted in the middle order. Between 1935 and 1937 he also played regularly for Essex as an amateur. His highest first-class score was 70 for Oxford against Surrey in 1936, the highest score on either side, which enabled Oxford to gain a first-innings lead.

His first-class cricket career ended when he became a master at Orwell Park School near Ipswich in Suffolk. He began playing Minor County cricket for Suffolk in 1939.

He also won a Blue at football in 1935-36 and played for the Corinthians as a full-back. He was also a talented golfer. He and his wife Sylvia (née Wilkinson) won the Suffolk Mixed Foursomes in 1966, and he served as president of the Suffolk Golf Union.